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THE PYROS TORCH September 2010

A publication of
The Pyros Youth of
Word International
Ministries -
Los Angeles.

“When the trumpets sounded,

the people shouted, and at
the sound of the trumpet,
when the people gave a loud
shout, the wall collapsed, so
every man charged straight in,
and they took the city.”

PHOTO CREDIT PRIAM GUIUAN

Joshua 6:20

Soul Anchor:
Tearing Down The Walls
By Kelsea Guevara

With summer arriving, that significant time
of year was fast approaching: the much
anticipated and long awaited week of
camp. From June 28th to July 2nd, 110
campers from all around Southern
California made their journey up to Oak
Glen Christian Center in Yucaipa, California
2009, it was decided that this year, camp would no
longer be national but instead be broken down by region
and each would hold their own camps in their respective
areas until 2012, when we will reconvene the national
camp. The Southern California region included the WIN
churches from Artesia, Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland
Empire, San Gabriel, and San Diego. Several youth from
WIN Las Vegas were also able to attend.

for an intimate and powerful 5-day

encounter with God.
This year marked a special turning point in our
national youth camp. In previous years, youth from
Word International Ministries (WIN) churches and
other guests from all over the nation attended Soul
Anchor. After meeting with the WIN Youth Council in
Soul Anchor 2010: "Tearing Down The Walls" was the
theme of this year’s camp, based on the story of Joshua
leading the Israelites into the city of Jericho and Joshua
6:20, “when the trumpets sounded, the people shouted,
and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a
loud shout, the wall collapsed, so every man charged
straight in, and they took the city.”
continued on page 2 

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The campers were separated into nine cell
groups, two of them for college-age attendees and
seven for high school age and under. Each cell group
was named after nine of the twelve tribes of Israel;
Asher, Ben, Dan, Isaachar, Joseph, Judah, Levi,
Naphtali, and Zebulun; every cell group was given a
different color flag with a symbol that represented
their tribe.
Upon arriving at the campsite, many of the first
timers were unsure of what they were embarking
upon, yet they remained expectant as they gathered
in the chapel for the first night of uninhibited praise
and worship. Pastor Mark Briones welcomed the
campers and shared a word on “Vision,” reminding us
of the necessity for vision in our life and that vision
requires sacrifice and faith. Later, as the band led us
to a time of Spirit-filled worship, eleven youth gave
their lives to Christ for the first time during altar call.
Throughout the five days, there were many guest
session speakers such as Pastor Nemi Luna, Pastor
Carlos Gamez, and Pastor Lyndon Aldaba from WIN
and in following tradition, Pastor Chito Cordero and
Pastor Mark Briones spoke as well.
Leadership
PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA
Bro. Jessie Romero
of WIN Los Angeles
taught young adults
how to attain leadership
qualities to manage of
Christian lifestyle.
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PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA LEFT TRIBE OF LEVI
RIGHT SOUL ANCHOR YOUTH LEADERS
There were workshops which catered to the different
interests and needs of the campers as well, separating
the young adults and the youth. Pastor Nemi Luna,
who not only shared a message during our Tuesday
morning session, “Tearing Down The Past,” also taught
the workshop entitled “Bible vs. Science,” a focus on
Apologetics for the college-level campers. The youth
level workshop, “Identity Crisis,” was taught by Sis.
Sylvia Sajo. Other workshops that were taught were
“Leadership,” a college-level lesson shared by Bro.
Jessie Romero, and “Preparing For Success,” taught by
our own Sandra Cordero. Bro. Vic Isidro and his wife,
Sis. Weng Isidro, of WIN-LA taught the “Sexual Purity”
workshop for the campers who were fourteen years old
and older while Hannah Llamas and Jonathan Aldaba
taught the youth level.
The water baptism (pictured on page 3) on
Wednesday was also a powerful time during camp as
more than twenty young people made public
declarations of their faith and solidified their
commitment to Christ being immersed in water
representing the renewal of their lives in Christ. All the
campers gathered around the pool and sang songs as
they witnessed this pivotal moment in the lives of those
getting water baptized for the first time.
Wednesday night was designated for our special
event. Each cell group, even the workers, was given
the task to rewrite the lyrics to secular songs from
artists such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and other
popular artists and “Christianize” them. Each of the cell
groups had a unique and fun way of interpreting the
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PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA
songs and choreographing dances to match. One of
the most notable moments of the evening was the
special appearance of Pastor Lyndon Aldaba at the
very end of the Levi tribes’ special number. The night
was filled with a spirit of fun, joy and openness, which
made a difference on the rest of the experience.
There was an intense spirit of joy that overflowed
onto the campers and throughout camp. The Lord
tore down any inhibitions and there was freedom in
worship.
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On the final day, for the first time since 2005, we
had a communion, led by Pastor Neil Lewis. We were
reminded of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made as we
partook bread and drank the juice, symbolizing God’s
flesh and blood. As we were about to part ways, we
were also reminded not to let the walls in our lives be
built up again and not to let camp just be an
experience. We were encouraged to go out and be
the light in our families, schools, workplaces, and
communities.
Want to see video footage of SA ‘10?
Visit www.youtube.com/pyros424 to view Soul
Anchor 2010: Tearing Down the Walls video
coverage. There you will be able to watch daily
recaps of the powerful sessions, the praise & worship,
campers’ special events, fun time, and so much more!
You will also find videos of past Soul Anchor camps,
Mission Trips, etc. Subscribe to pyros424 and may
God bless you!
 CROSSPOINT • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Opening Hearts
By Rizza Aldaba
& Minds
M
arch 19, 2010 marked another Crosspoint
to remember. Held at WIN-LA, it was
astonishing to see a full house, with WIN
churches and network churches from all over
Southern California coming to show their support.
The event was not only limited to the youth as young
adults and parents came with expectant hearts.
There were many new faces as people invited their
friends from school and youth groups grew in
number over the few months.
The event started with an icebreaker where everyone
was asked to introduce themselves to three people.
Three people were then picked to name those they
met for the first time. It was immediately followed by
a time of lively and passionate praise and worship
led by Pauline Guiuan and Rizza Aldaba.
Jersson Garcia of Canoga Park Presbyterian Church
was the speaker of the night. His teaching, entitled
“Who’s Your Daddy and What Does He Do?”
elaborated on the characteristics of our Father in
heaven and how He loves us like a loving,
encouraging father to his child, though He is beyond
different from our earthly father.
Social Media
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Who’s Your Daddy and What Does He Do?
Jersson Garcia from Canoga Park Presbyterian Church
delivers an inviting message to new believers during
Crosspoint in Los Angeles.
Everyone was receptive to the Spirit’s leading as leaders
and pastors prayed over the youth who responded to the
altar call while the worship team ushered everyone in
high worship. Four young people accepted Christ that
night. Tears flowed and voices raised as the youth laid
down their lives to their heavenly Father.
It was indeed a powerful night. Eyes and hearts were
opened as God’s presence saturated the place and the
lives of those who came to seek and find Him. For many,
it was a point of new beginnings in their lives, and there
is no turning back.
PYROS Los Angeles’
Next Crosspoint Rally
10.29.10 | WIN-LA
Join us for another passionate and powerful
youth rally on October 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm
at the WIN Los Angeles Church.
Log into www.facebook.com/pyros-youth
for more information! You won’t want to miss this!
Web
pyros.rocks.it
Facebook
facebook.com/pyros-youth
YouTube
www.
youtube.com/pyros424
Twitter
twitter.com/pyrosLA
Email
pyros424@yahoo.com
 SOLACE
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BUI LDI NG TH E K INGDOM , U N ITING THE BODY, EMPOWER ING THE YOUTH - THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRI T.
Youth of different ethnicities, different
backgrounds, and different zip codes
gathered as one united body for the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Solace
2010, held May 21-22, 2010.
Solace arose from Pastor Carlos Gamez Jr.’s vision
to organize a Spirit-filled youth conference that was
more unique and diverse than any other Christian
conference. In commemoration of Pentecost, Solace
was launched on the same week with the vision of
"Building the Kingdom, Uniting the Body, and
Empowering Youth - Through the Holy Spirit" and
tackling the theme “Identity Crisis.”
WIN-LA’s Pyros leadership played a pivotal part in
planning and organizing the event, and helping in the
various committees, which included roles in logistics,
security, media, set-up, and registration. In addition,
they were able to mobilize their youth to be part of
the conference. A group of youth and adults from our
WIN churches in Los Angeles and Inland Empire
came to support, coming on both days.
Session and workshop speakers including men of
God who have a heart for the youth to speak to this
generation: Gabe Ahn of Harvest Rock Church,
Pasadena, Joshua Chavez of Parkcrest Church in
Long Beach, Carlos Gamez Jr., and Ben Stephens of
West Angeles Church in Los Angeles, Nemi Luna,
Luis Mangandi and Hosea Collins. These leaders truly
represented diversity and showed one heart hungry
for God. Youth leaders from Pyros and other
supporting churches helped behind-the-scenes for
the two-day event.
PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
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By Sonny Rapinan
PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
Solace Day 2. Joanna Cordero (WIN LA), Kenneth Macaraig (Voice of
Victory), Hannah Llamas (WIN LA) jointly lifted up their hands in worship
during the Solace Conference, 2010.
Every session began with passionate praise and
worship. Joshua Chavez & Outpour and Neri Junior
broke the inhibition in worship among the youth and
led the youth to worship God in their own personal
way. Each session and workshop delivered messages
that equipped the youth to be a spiritual army for
God’s purpose. Ben Stephens, a speaker, said, “You
were born on purpose, for a purpose, to pursue
purpose.”
The last session culminated in a Spirit of Love and
Spirit of Anointing Collisions with the youth being
anointed and prayed over to receive the Holy Spirit.
Vessels of Honor led praise and worship to usher the
people in worship. The people cried in desperation for
God to move in their lives.
Solace indeed was a time of consoling and peace.
People laid down generational curses, disobedience,
inner vows, unforgiveness, and emotional abuses.
People left reassured and transformed by the Holy
Spirit. True to what the organizer of Solace, Carlos
Gamez Jr., said, “We don’t want to inform, but
transform.”
“toWeinform,
don’t want
but
transform.
” - Pastor Carlos
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“I’ve grown spiritually
with my walk with God and
can proudly say that I’ve
matured,” Shadrach Aldaba
The Aldaba Brothers
Serving God Through Music and Leadership
Jonathan, a skillful keyboardist, said that playing
the keyboard is a part of his daily life. He added,
"God-willing I would be able to lead a music ministry
someday. I would be honored to lead a band for the
Lord." Meanwhile, Shadrach often plays as a lead
guitarist. Every now and then, he's called to play the
bass or acoustic guitar. He's equally adept in playing
the guitar as his younger brother is in playing the
keyboards.
Although they've only been in the United States for
six years, Jonathan and Shadrach have been a part of
Pyros, WIN LA's youth ministry, ever since they
arrived. Jonathan stated that Pyros is without a doubt
his family and he’s proud to be a part of it.  On the
other hand, Shad is blessed to see everyone in the
group grow up not only physically but also spiritually.
"I've grown spiritually with my walk with God and can
proudly say that I've matured," he added.
Being raised in a Christian family, these young men
fortunately did not feel any pressure. Although people
expect them to follow their father's footsteps as a
pastor, Jonathan stated that he’d respectfully pass.
When asked how it feels to be a pastor's kid, Jonathan
replied that it is a beautiful thing to have been raised
as a Christian and accepted Christ at an early age.
Shad responded, “It's amazing because I grew up
having a fear in the Lord, which shaped my values,
character, and traits."
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PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
By Louise Dandan
On the other hand, migrating here definitely
changed their lives. Coming from a private school in
the Philippines, the diversity and culture of schools
here impacted him immensely, Jonathan stated.
However, he passed high school with flying colors. He
was vice-president of the AVID club and was a co-
editor of the very first video production team in
Hollywood High School. To top it off, he graduated
with a white robe, signifying high academic
achievement. Meanwhile, Shad reasoned that he
didn't like the States at first because of the unfamiliar
faces and places. However, going to school here
helped him enhance his English and musical skills.
Jonathan currently goes to Santa Monica College,
aiming to major in Mechanical Engineering. On the
other hand, Shadrach goes to Preferred College of
Nursing and is set on becoming a nurse. Although
their futures are practically defined, their main goal in
life is to still serve God. "I want to use whatever God
gave me and blessed me with to bless him and be a
blessing to others," Jonathan said.  Shad, on his part,
said that his goal in life is to continue serving the Lord
and be successful in his adult life.
These two uniquely gifted men continue to serve
the Lord and are one of the exemplary models of the
youth. Despite their frequent absence in WIN LA, they
remain committed in using their God-given talents in
WIN San Gabriel as well as in other WIN churches.
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The Fireside
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do
not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.
Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)

What a summer it has been! The summer of 2010 will be a time that I will look
back in my ministry. It is a time where God really “enlarged” the youth ministry of
WIN here in the US. When we started holding summer camps for our young
people back in 2004 here in the Southern California, God laid a vision and a burden
in my heart to unite all the young people of WIN, to train and equip them so that
they we will be able to have their own regional camps.

This summer, that has come into full circle with our WIN Texas churches having
their camp last June 21 to 25, followed by our WIN Southern California/Nevada
churches last June 28 to July 2, then our Northern California churches last July 26
to 29. Our Washington area churches also had their camp during the latter part of
August and so did our WIN Hawaii church, having a gathering that catered for our
young people
there.

Not only were our churches from the different regions able to have their own
regional camps, but they were all well attended and very successful. God moved
in a mighty way in the lives of all those who attended.

I am excited as to what God has in store for our young people. At the same time, I
am blessed and humbled to have leaders from the different regions who have the
burden and vision to mentor the church of the next generation.

As what the prophet Isaiah said:

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold
back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
- Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)

— Pastor Mark Briones

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THESTAFF
WRITERS DESIGN & LAYOUT
rizza aldaba verna abante
louise dandan paolo manuel
kelsea guevara
sonny rapinan
ADVISOR
pastor mark briones
EDITOR IN CHIEF
rizza aldaba

ASSISTANT EDITOR
shannen maghanoy THEPYROSTORCH
530 s. benton way
los angeles, california

www.pyros.rocks.it

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